• 30
• Jul
• 2007
• 

Are you sure your childs car seat is fitted correctly?

You want to keep our precious children safe when travelling in the car, so you’ve been out and purchased a Booster Seat or Baby Seat, popped it in the back of the car, put them in/on it and away you go.

Hold on though, do you know if it’s fitted correctly? A badly fitted car seat can be at best no different to not using one and at worst can leave your child in a whole lot more danger.

Statistics taken from a survey of over 1000 UK child seats show that over three quarters were incorrectly fitted – 3 of every 4 children carried in a car were being put in unnecessary risk through a poorly installed car seat.

The figure can be further broken down: 20% needed major adjustment, 16% were not compatible with the vehicle in which they were fitted, 1% was not fit to be used at all, and 38% needed a small amount of adjustment.

Why not take a look at your child’s car seat now – go out and give it a good look over and check it’s fitted correctly. If you are unsure and need further help try this leaflet from the UK Department of Transport, “How to fit a child’s car seat” Ref:T/INF/697 or if you are about to purchase a car seat make sure your supplier offers a fitting service – all good car seat stockists will provide this service for you.